Sorry, The Best Man closed on 26 May 2018

About the show

Martin Shaw stars in Bill Kenwright’s acclaimed production of Gore Vidal’s sharp political play The Best Man at the Playhouse Theatre. Running for a strictly limited engagement, the electrifying play is surprisingly pertinent today, as it asks if the right man always wins the White House.

Written and produced on Broadway over 60 years ago, The Best Man follows two US presidential candidates as they go head-to-head in the ultimate battle. William Russell is an esteemed ex-Secretary of State with a philandering reputation, whilst ambitious Joseph Cantwell is a surprising newcomer.

As the two embark on their campaigns, their only hope of winning is to gain the endorsements of the ex-President and a party big-wig. As the race heats up and it gets a little bit personal, chaos ensues as they ask where does compromise end and corruption begin?

Directed by Simon Evans (The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui), the production features design by Michael Taylor, lighting design by Chris Davey, and sound and compositions by Ed Lewis.

Performed at a time when American politics are frequently discussed, The Best Man is a political drama that is scarily relevant now. The production runs at the West End’s Playhouse Theatre for a limited season, from March 5th to May 26th 2018, with previews beginning February 24th 2018.

Who Should See It?

Those who saw Twelve Angry Men will enjoy Martin Shaw’s performance in this, whilst fans of political dramas and the current political climate should definitely book a ticket.